Vázquez gov't favourite as Uruguay holds primary elections

Former President of Uruguay, Tabaré Vázquez

Former President of Uruguay Tabaré Vázquez is the clear favourite to win the candidacy once more for the ruling Broad Front, as the nation went to the polls to pick the individuals who would run for head of state in October 26's presidential elections.

A total of 10 political forces presented lists in today's primary elections, which are not compulsory, but most attention was placed on Uruguay's three biggest parties - The Broad Front, the party of current president José Mujica, and opposition National and Colorado parties - as thousands of citizens left their vote.

Vázquez, who was head of state from 2005 to 2010, voted this morning as well as Mujica, and is widely expected to gain the Broad Front's approval to run in October. Senators Pedro Bordaberry and Jorge Larrañaga, meanwhile, lead the race in the National and Colorado parties respectively.

Uruguayans will receive two ballots when they go to the polls. The first selects their favourite presidential and the politicians who will go to the national conventions. A smaller ballot contains the list of candidates to integrate departmental conventions.